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Appendix-11
Nikkhepa is a specific method of explaining a word. This is a unique contribution of Jain Acharyas in the field of linguistics. In Prakrit, there are many possible Sanskrit transformations of the same word. The Nikkhepa method provides knowledge of all possible meanings of that word and thus helps in understanding the contextual meaning of the word. Nikkhepa is an important part of the science of semantic development under linguistics.
This is a special contribution of Jain Acharyas in the field of Nyaya. Nikkhepa is actually a type of explanation, which includes Upkrama, Anugam and Nay. In the Upaddhata Niyukti, any subject is explained in 12 ways, in which Nikkhepa is given the first place. The purpose of Nikkhepa is to provide four-sided knowledge of the object or word and finally to provide knowledge of the pure word.
Generally, many Nikkhepas can be done as needed, but its four types are famous: 1. Naam Nikkhepa 2. Sthapana Nikkhepa 3. Dravya Nikkhepa 4. Bhav Nikkhepa.
A word is a speaker of a person or thing. The concept of Naam Nikkhepa was conceived to reveal this form of the word. The imputation of one object in another object through imagination is Sthapana Nikkhepa. Dravya Nikkhepa is the one that reveals the tri-temporal state of the object. Bhav Nikkhepa is indicative of the Jain practice method. The true nature of the object is known through this. Any word or knowledge is limited to Dravya only until the consciousness of use is not attached to it. In Bhav Nikkhepa, there is a harmony between language and emotion.
The whole behavior of the world runs on the Nikkhepa method. When a child is born, he lives in the world of only Naam Nikkhepa. When he grows up a little, he establishes an object through imagination, like establishing a mother or sister in a plastic doll. Gradually, he becomes capable of tri-temporal knowledge and later, when the subtlety and understanding of the intellect develops, he conducts his behavior through Bhav Nikkhepa. Bhav Nikkhepa is the result of practice.
Nikkhepa is the practical and lively use of Anekanta. For example, someone was rich in the past, he is also called Seth in the present. This may be untrue, but it is also possible through Dravya Nikkhepa.
The Niyuktikar adopted Nikkhepa in his method of explanation. If the Nikkhipta Gatha and its explanation are collected from the entire Niyukti literature, a great book can be prepared. Here
1. Aani 4, Anudva.